Veronica Pamoukaghlian
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The 15 Best German Movies on Netflix in 2023
Streaming services like Netflix provide us with access to movies and shows from all over the world.
This means we get an inside look at the culture, language and popular entertainment of places thousands of miles away.
Among the collection of foreign offerings on Netflix are some incredible German movies that will thrill and engage you.
Keep reading for 15 of the best German movies on Netflix, from rom-coms to sci-fi thrillers, documentaries and more.
With these options, you won’t run out any time soon if you’re hoping to binge the best of German cinema!
Contents
- 1. “Im Westen nichts Neues” (“All Quiet on the Western Front”)
- 2. “Eldorado – Alles, was die Nazis hassen” (“Eldorado: Everything the Nazis Hate”)
- 3. “Lommbock”
- 4. “Hitler – Eine Karriere” (“Hitler: A Career”)
- 5. “Faraway”
- 6. “Kinder des Kalifats” (“Of Fathers and Sons”)
- 7. “Wolkenbruch” (“The Awakening of Motti Wolkenbruch”)
- 8. “Alles ist gut” (“All is Well”)
- 9. “Rock My Heart”
- 10. “Isi & Ossi”
- 11. “Army of Thieves”
- 12. “Paradise”
- 13. “Meine teuflisch gute Freundin” (“How to Be Really Bad”)
- 14. “Buba”
- 15. “Into the Beat – Dein Herz tanzt” (Your heart is dancing)
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1. “Im Westen nichts Neues” (“All Quiet on the Western Front”)
Year: 2022
Genre: Action/war drama
This powerful anti-war film is based on the 1929 novel of the same name by Erich Maria Remarque. It’s set during World War I and will immerse you in the harrowing experiences of soldiers during a brutal conflict. Through the eyes of young soldiers, the film explores the grim realities of war, delving into the physical and emotional toll it exacts.
It received numerous awards and nominations including four Oscars at the 95th Academy Awards for Best International Feature, Best Cinematography, Best Original Score and Best Production Design.
2. “Eldorado – Alles, was die Nazis hassen” (“Eldorado: Everything the Nazis Hate”)
Year: 2023
Genre: Documentary
This documentary centers around a Berlin nightclub that became a haven for LGBTQ+ people in the 1920s. It explores the impacts of Hitler’s rise to power and the freedom his regime took away, as well as the lasting impact of repression throughout history.
The film gives faces and voices to this dark period of time in a respectful and stylistic manner. You’ll get to hear moving testimonies and meet survivors who have persevered through decades of hate and violence. This is a powerful look at an often-forgotten part of history that reminds us of the importance of resisting oppression and demanding freedom.
The audio is a mix of English and German, with subtitles available in both languages.
3. “Lommbock”
Year: 2017
Genre: Comedy
“Lommbock” is a good option if you’re looking for a laugh. Be warned, though, that this film uses some racy humor and isn’t appropriate for children.
The movie follows Stefan, a successful lawyer who thinks he finally has his life in order: He’s found a beautiful woman to marry him in Dubai and he’s been clean of drugs for many years. Before he can marry the woman of his dreams, he must return to Germany to get some documents in order. Enter Stefan’s old friend Kai: the man who threatens to turn Stefan into a sleazy bad boy all over again!
4. “Hitler – Eine Karriere” (“Hitler: A Career”)
Year: 1977
Genre: Documentary
This documentary explores the life and political career of Adolf Hitler, delving into his early years, his ascent to power and the atrocities committed during his regime. Using archival footage, interviews and historical analysis, it portrays Hitler’s manipulation of mass psychology and his totalitarian control contributing to the devastation of World War II.
It sheds light on the complexities of his character and ideology, offering important lessons to be learned from history’s darkest chapters. I know we don’t always feel like something heavy, but this is a well-crafted and important watch offering a unique look into the past.
5. “Faraway”
Year: 2023
Genre: Romantic comedy/drama
This charming film follows Zeynep, a woman who feels unhappy in her life. In hopes of finding peace and happiness, she takes a spontaneous trip to a Croatian island where she has inherited a house that her mom bought before she passed away.
There, she’s surprised to meet Josip, who lives on the property. She soon finds that there’s more than just new scenery available to her in this beautiful place. The actors deliver charming performances and the landscapes are breathtaking, contributing to the film’s appeal. While it may be predictable (what rom-com isn’t), it’s a great option for a rainy day.
6. “Kinder des Kalifats” (“Of Fathers and Sons”)
Year: 2017
Genre: Documentary
While it’s in Arabic, this German-Syrian documentary film can’t be missed. It offers an intimate and harrowing glimpse into the lives of a radical Islamist family in war-torn Syria. Derki himself poses as a sympathetic cameraman to gain unprecedented access to the family’s daily life, revealing their devotion to extremist ideologies.
The film explores the complexities of father-son relationships and the indoctrination of young minds into extremism. With a raw and unfiltered perspective, it examines the impact of conflict on familial dynamics and the enduring legacy of extremism on future generations and will keep you thinking well after it’s over.
7. “Wolkenbruch” (“The Awakening of Motti Wolkenbruch”)
Year: 2018
Genre: Romantic comedy/drama
This Swiss film follows the journey of Motti, a young Orthodox Jewish man from Zurich, as he navigates the complexities of his cultural upbringing and personal desires. The humor in this film is strong, so queue it up if you’re ready to laugh.
Caught between the expectations of his traditional family and his attraction to a non-Jewish woman, Motti embarks on a humorous and heartfelt exploration of identity, love and self-discovery. With witty humor and cultural insights, the film delves into themes of tradition, family and finding one’s own path.
8. “Alles ist gut” (“All is Well”)
Year: 2019
Genre: Drama
In this heart-wrenching drama, the main character Janne is sexually assaulted by her boss’ brother-in-law. While she vows to live in silence and not to tell anyone about what has happened to her, the incident festers within her, complicating her work, her day-to-day life and her relationship with her lover.
This film is a true cinematic masterpiece. The cinematography is expertly done, and of course, the German dialogue is elegant and poignant. There’s a reason this film has a coveted 100% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. In 2018, it earned Eva Trobisch the Stockholm Film Festival award for Best Director.
9. “Rock My Heart”
Year: 2019
Genre: Drama
This German coming-of-age drama follows Jana, a 17-year-old with a heart condition who defies her limitations by pursuing her passion for horse racing. Determined to prove herself, she forms a unique bond with a spirited horse named Rock My Heart.
Jana’s journey is a blend of courage, friendship and self-discovery as she overcomes physical challenges and societal expectations. The film beautifully captures her determination and the emotional connections that define her path. With heartfelt performances and a touching narrative, “Rock My Heart” portrays the power of chasing one’s dreams against all odds. It’s bound to inspire you to follow yours!
10. “Isi & Ossi”
Year: 2020
Genre: Romantic comedy
This film follows the unlikely romance between two individuals from contrasting backgrounds: Isi, a wealthy girl pressured into an arranged marriage, and Ossi, a struggling boxer seeking financial stability. As they collaborate to fulfill their individual aspirations, their worlds collide and love blossoms.
The film interweaves humor and romance with social commentary, highlighting themes of identity, societal expectations and the pursuit of dreams. You’ll be entertained by the blend of cultural clashes and heartwarming moments as you get wrapped up in a love story that defies conventional norms.
11. “Army of Thieves”
Year: 2021
Genre: Action/comedy/crime thriller
If you caught “Army of the Dead,” you’re in for a treat with its prequel. This film dives into the backstory and the origins of main character Ludwig Dieter. Ludwig is a skilled safecracker who’s entangled in a thrilling heist. He gets recruited by a mysterious woman and joins a team of diverse criminals with unique expertise.
As they plan to rob a series of high-security vaults across Europe, Dieter must navigate complex relationships and unexpected challenges. The story is a blend of action, suspense and humor, and is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat.
12. “Paradise”
Year: 2023
Genre: Sci-fi thriller
This film takes a look into the future where time is currency. In this fictional scenario, a groundbreaking innovation enables the transfer of years of life between individuals. When a woman is forced to give up 40 years of her life to settle a debt, her husband embarks on a determined quest to reclaim those lost years.
In a society obsessed with reversing the aging process, this dystopian thriller provides an interesting look into the possible dangers of this pursuit. If you’re a sci-fi fan or are interested in the potential complications of modern technology, you’ll likely enjoy it.
13. “Meine teuflisch gute Freundin” (“How to Be Really Bad”)
Year: 2018
Genre: Comedy
Lilith is the Devil’s teenage daughter. When her eternal life down in the fiery pits gets a tad monotonous, dear old Dad gives her a curious challenge—a week to turn Earthlings to the dark side. If she fails, she’ll be stuck crunching numbers back in the infernal bookkeeping department.
Lilith embraces her mission with gusto, forming an unexpected bond with a human named Greta. But converting hearts to wickedness isn’t as easy as it sounds. And as if that weren’t enough, the cosmic curveball of love enters the scene, stirring up a tempest she never saw coming.
14. “Buba”
Year: 2022
Genre: Comedy/drama
This film follows Buba, whose real name is Jakob Otto. Every time situations in his life start to improve, something bad happens. After his parents die in a tragic accident, Jakob adopts the belief that he must counterbalance any positive emotions in his life.
Working with his brother Dante, they create a method to ensure that his daily experiences are as disagreeable as they can be. This approach has worked for over thirty years, until Jakob unexpectedly falls in love. Maintaining a balance of good and bad in his life becomes a challenge as he falls further for this new romantic interest.
15. “Into the Beat – Dein Herz tanzt” (Your heart is dancing)
Year: 2020
Genre: Drama
This coming-of-age film revolves around Katya, a talented ballet dancer who unexpectedly discovers her passion for hip-hop dancing. As she navigates the worlds of traditional ballet and contemporary dance, Katya embarks on a journey of self-discovery, forging her own path amidst familial expectations.
The film beautifully captures the exhilaration of artistic expression, the challenges of pursuing one’s dreams and the power of embracing individuality. The relatable characters and heartwarming narrative don’t win you over, the engaging dance sequences are sure to entertain you.
With so many options on Netflix and beyond, you’re bound to find something good to watch—whatever you’re in the mood for!
Download: This blog post is available as a convenient and portable PDF that you can take anywhere. Click here to get a copy. (Download)
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